Poetic Inspirations and Practical Applications for Blissful Living

Guest Post: Surrender is Not a Sign of Weakness

Surrender is Not a Sign of Weakness

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

Often surrender is interpreted as a sign of weakness, however it is not. Surrender is a sign of strength, and the first step in learning to become humble as we are told we should in James 4:10 which says “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up”.

It is through surrender we are able to let go of our ego and with it all the negative feelings, attitudes and beliefs that make us miserable and is the basis of many of our illnesses and problems. We become miserable because the ego is self-serving and is always looking out for its own best interests. When things do not go “its” way, the ego becomes upset. It was unable to feed its insatiable appetite for more of “me”.

We are reminded in Philippians 2:3-4 3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”. When we surrender we become selfless, and we put the interests of others before our own.

Surrender is not a sign of weakness, but it’s difficult to look past what we feel is best for “ourselves”. It’s all a part of an internal survival instinct that tells us we must first look after ourselves.

Surrender means becoming bigger than our “self” and when we do, we bring ourselves to a higher level of consciousness and awareness. It is through this higher level of awareness that we begin to focus on who we are becoming, not on what we do or even have.

We begin to care more about the needs of others and have a willingness to offer help. We choose to be a part of the solution, instead of a part of the problem. The old “self” has gone and we no longer look to be self-serving.

Through surrender and humility we are lifted up just as it is referred to in the Book of James. We no longer feel we need to feed the ego because we are confident in who we are, and in the choices we make. We are strong enough to surrender and humbled enough to put the interests of others first.

As it is written in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength”.

 

If thou desire the love of God and man, be humble, for the proud heart, as it loves none but itself, is beloved of none but itself. Humility enforces where neither virtue, nor strength, nor reason can prevail.

Francis Quarles (1592 – 1644)

 

 

 

Guest Post: The Greatest Love of All

The Greatest Love of All

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

  

It is God’s great love that gave us the air we breathe, the beautiful sunrise/sunset(s), and so many more great things as we are told in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. He did all this and gave us free-will. What did He expect in return? What did He get in return? Is love about expecting something in return?

No, the key to any successful loving relationship is giving without expecting anything in return. Let’s remind ourselves of what the Bible says about love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”.

We are reminded of great love in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. He did this so that we may be forgiven of our sins, so that we have choice to spend eternity with Him in heaven if we ask for forgiveness.

This world may never see again…The Greatest Love of All.

A relationship we should always cherish.

February Reflection – Love is not blind.

 

 

 

Guest Post: An Important Aspect of Salvation

An Important Aspect of Salvation

Guest Post by John Rataczak, Ph.D.

 

Now He which stalisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God: Who

hath sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts

(II Corinthians 1:21-22)

 

When a child is born, a birth certificate is issued. When a piece of property or an automobile is paid for, a title is issued. When one successfully completes a college degree program, a diploma is granted.

 

In most cases a “seal” is easily seen on all these documents.

 

According to the Scriptures, when God saves a soul He places a seal on that important transaction.

 

The idea of having seals and official state insignias is an old one. For instance, when our Lord died and was buried, there were those who were concerned that the disciples might try to steal His body from the grave and then claim that He had risen from the dead. When Pilate heard about this he determined to place the seal of the Roman government at the burial site:

 

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as you can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch (Matthew 27:65-66).

 

There are three passages in the New Testament which give us insight into this precious doctrine of sealing:

 

  1. II Corinthians 1:21-22 (quoted above).

 

Four important points can be made from these verses:

  • God the Father establishes the believer in Christ.
  • God the Father anoints the believer.
  • God the Father seals the believer.
  • God the Father gives the Holy Spirit as an earnest (a downpayment) to the believer. The promise is that eternal life and better conditions await the believer in heaven!

 

  1. Ephesians 1:13-14.

 

In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.

 

Two important points can be made from these verses:

 

  • The sealing took place after belief in Christ.
  • Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

 

  1. Ephesians 4:30.

 

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.

 

Two important points can be made from this verse,

 

  • The verb translated “ye were sealed” is in the aorist tense in the Greek, indicating completed

action. Believers in Jesus Christ are immediately sealed the moment they are saved!

  • The sealing lasts until “the day of redemption.” This means that until the Lord takes believers

home to heaven the sealing of the Holy Spirit is upon his soul!

 

             There is a logical connection between sanctification, justification, and sealing. In positional sanctification the believer is made holy in his standing before God. In justification he is declared holy by God. In sealing, the record is made official in the court

             of heaven.

 

              Satan can make whatever accusation he wants against a believer. It simply does not matter. Why? A believer has been sanctified, justified, and sealed, and God did it all!

 

              Generally speaking, sealing involves such things as security, official status, ownership, and a guarantee. These things are granted to all believers. They are precious truths that the Bible teaches clearly, and they cannot be taken away or nullified.

 

~*~

              John Rataczak, Ph.D. is the sole proprietor of Eleutheros Books. “Eleutheros” is the Greek word which means “free,” and the theme verse for the ministry is John 8:36: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

             www.eleutherosbookstore.com

 

             www.eleutherosbooks.com

 

             blog: www.christiancontactwithjohn.com

Poem: Lavished in Love

Lavished in Love Poem

Lavished in Love

Lavished in Love Poem

Image courtesy zirconicusso at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” (1 John 3:1)

 

Lavished in love

I am by You,

Yes, lavished in love,

Love so true,

 

 

From head to toe, 

In all I hear and see, 

Today, tomorrow, 

Through all eternity,

 

 

In sunrays streaming 

Through golden clouds above, 

O Sweet Lord Jesus, 

I am lavished in love…

 

 

You kiss my heart 

With Your tender grace 

You light my steps 

With Your smiling face,

 

 

You inspire my heart 

With psalms to sing, 

You touch my life 

With endless blessing.

 

 

So how can I feel

Anything but loved by You

In all that I am,

Through all that I do?

 

 

My heart bursts 

Your love to receive, 

How wondrous in You 

To freely believe!

 

So I will sing 

With eyes on You above, 

With a heart of gladness 

Bursting with love,

 

 

 

With all I am,

With all I will be, 

Today, tomorrow, 

Throughout eternity…

 

 

 

Yes, with love so pure, 

Love so true… 

Because lavished in love, 

I am by You!

 

© 2015 Caroline Gavin

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Poem: Release…for Peace

Poem Release for Peace

Release…for Peace

Poem Release for Peace

Image courtesy Witthaya-Phonsawat at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you…” (1 Peter 5:7)

 

Into My hands
All things release,
My sweet child,
For perfect peace.

Let not any care
On your heart weigh,
Let not any trial
Dim light of your day,

Let not any loss
Shake your soul to sigh,
Let not any pain
Make your eyes to cry.

Child, give all to Me,
I ask you this:
Enter My peace,
My happiness.

How I long for you
To know joy sweet,
Inspiring song in your voice,
Dance in your feet,

To feel My love
In all you do,
Yes, this I desire
So much for you.

Come to Me,
I will lift you high,
Making your heart to soar,
Your spirit to fly,

Making your night
As bright as day,
Shining with love
Every step of the way…

Yes, into My hands
Everything release,
My sweet child,
For perfect peace!

 

   

 

© 2015 Caroline Gavin

I Treasure Your Comments!

I offer you a gift! Sign up for the “Journey to Joy” workbook here! Your gift includes the downloadable 65-page “Purposeful Pathway: Journey to Joy” workbook (PDF), rich with Scriptural meditations, reflective questions and activities, and poetic inspirations. This 7-step journey is lovingly designed to deepen your connection with Jesus and heighten your joy.

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Poem: A Day Anew

Free Image Spring Park by Evgeni Dinev

My Gift to You: A Day Anew

Poem A Day Anew

Image courtesy Evgeni Dinev at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

 

Every day, My child,

Is a day anew,

This, little one,

Is My gift to you.

 

See the sun,

How it glistens in a new way?

Hear the refreshing songs

Of birds as they play?

 

Feel the breeze,

How it is different than before?

Do you not now feel

My love all the more?

 

Every day is new,

Every day has its glory,

Unfolding each moment

With My grace-filled story.

 

So embrace this day,

This gift divine,

As a miracle precious,

A blessing divine.

 

Let it inspire

Joy in your heart to beat,

Let it bring from your lips

Music sweet,

 

And let it be a time

You delight to love,

As you look with awe

At heaven above.

 

Yes, sweet child,

Every day is a day anew…

So come celebrate the gift

I have made for you!

   

 

© 2015 Caroline Gavin

I Treasure Your Comments!

I offer you a gift! Sign up for the “Journey to Joy” workbook here! Your gift includes the downloadable 65-page “Purposeful Pathway: Journey to Joy” workbook (PDF), rich with Scriptural meditations, reflective questions and activities, and poetic inspirations. This 7-step journey is lovingly designed to deepen your connection with Jesus and heighten your joy.

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Guest Post: Hope

Hope

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

  

Hope, the word that inspires us to keep going, to keep working towards achieving whatever it is we are trying to accomplish. Because when we have hope we believe there is a chance our dreams will come true. But for some, they have no hope, why? Maybe Satan is telling them they are undeserving, they are not worthy. However there is no reason to believe Satan, the Bible tells us in Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him”. So if we come to the Lord in good faith and put our hopes in Him we should not worry, he will be good to us. We have no reason to doubt His word.

We can also lose hope when things start to go wrong, we may lose faith in ourselves and/or our abilities. We may even begin to lose faith in God, if we feel our intentions are good, why does He not stand behind us and help us through?

It may be because we are not on the right path that God has planned for us, or it may be because the time is not right.

We must not lose faith, as we are reminded in Hebrews 11:1 that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. We may not see immediate results, life works on God’s timetable, not ours.

Satan wants us to lose our hope and our faith in God. When we feel there is no hope, we must remind ourselves God is hope. Do not be tricked into believing anything else. We should go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to reveal his plan to us. Hope can be such an inspiring word, but when we lose it, the results can be devastating.

January Reflection – I will not lose hope because I know that through Him all things are possible.  

 

 

Guest Post: Brave the New Day

Brave the New Day

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

  

Many folks like to begin the New Year making resolutions for changes they would like to make in their life. Most of those resolutions address these 5 areas of life.

Nutrition – I want to start eating better. I am going to start eating the things my body needs, not the things I tell myself I want.

Relationships – I have relationships I would like to change from broken, to thriving, secure, loving, & meaningful relationships with those I care about most.

Vocation – I am tired of this job and want to find new work.

Physical Activity – I am going to start doing something that gives me some form of exercise.

Spirituality – I am going to start attending church, or spend time reading The Bible.

So where are you at now? Are you following through with your intentions? Some of you have and some have not. Perhaps you have fallen off track for some reason or another and now feel discouraged.

There is no reason to feel discouraged because each new day presents us with the opportunity to start anew. We can get back on track and start working towards our goals. Just because you did not eat right yesterday does not mean you can’t start eating better today.

Relationships sometimes take time to heal, but as long as they are moving forward in a positive direction, be happy for that.

Finding a new job will take time, but knowing what you don’t want is the first step.

Putting a little physical activity into your life can be as simple as going for an evening walk after dinner. You will find that doing anything will make you feel better than doing nothing. Start with something simple and work on that gym membership later.

There are so many ways to have a more spiritually enhanced life. If you do not belong to a church take time to do some research on different beliefs and teachings. Visit different churches until you find one that resonates with you. The easiest way to a more spiritual life is to begin reading The Bible (borrow one from a friend if you don’t have one), the words you read will give you the inspiration to Brave the New Day.

“The world stands aside to let anyone pass who knows where he is going”

David Starr Jordan (1851 – 1931)

Poem: Eyes on Eternity

Free Image Spring Park by Evgeni Dinev

 

Eyes on Eternity

Poem: Eyes on Eternity

Image courtesy Tom Curtis at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal…” 2 Corinthians 4:18

 

Little child,

Look up now at me,

Fix your sweet eyes

On eternity,

 

Let not the trials

On your heart weigh,

Let not the challenges

Darken your day,

 

Let not your song

Drown in tears,

Let not your hope

Dwindle in fears.

 

No, little one,

Have faith, be strong,

Remember with Me

You forever belong.

 

Surely I embrace

With love deep and true,

Surely I give

Only goodness to you.

 

So accept all things

As from My grace,

Choose to feel My love,

To see My face,

 

To hear My song

Ringing ever clear,

To experience My presence

Always near,

 

To savor My comfort

When all is awry,

To smile as I wipe

Every tear you cry.

 

My little one,

Bright is every day

When you cling to Me

On this Heaven-bound way,

 

So keep your sweet eyes

Fixed on eternity…

Yes, My precious one,

Keep your eyes on Me!

   

 

© 2014 Caroline Gavin

I Treasure Your Comments!

I offer you a gift! Sign up for the “Journey to Joy” workbook hereYour gift includes the downloadable 65-page “Purposeful Pathway: Journey to Joy” workbook (PDF), rich with Scriptural meditations, reflective questions and activities, and poetic inspirations. This 7-step journey is lovingly designed to deepen your connection with Jesus and heighten your joy.

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Guest Post: What Grows in Your Garden?

What Grows in Your Garden?

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

  

Think for a moment that your life is a garden, and that your thoughts, words, actions and deeds were the seeds for that garden, what would you find growing in your garden? Would you find a bed of beautiful flowers or some tasty vegetables or would you find it barren or perhaps a garden of weeds?

Just like any garden we grow we control what grows in it by what seeds we plant. We can also control what our garden of life will grow by what we put into it through our thoughts, words, actions and deeds. Our garden of life can be barren or full of weeds and of no value to us, or it can be a garden of fresh vegetables that can be used to sustain ourselves and others.

How do we keep a garden that is bountiful? Well we are reminded in John 15:5, 8 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples”. We must remember it is of utmost importance to keep our life Christ centered if we want anything to grow.

In our garden of life if we do not have good spiritual soil (ourselves) we may find it difficult to grow the garden we desire. As we read in Matthew 13:20–21 “The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away”.

In order for our garden to grow we must be firmly and deeply rooted in God’s word so in times of trouble or persecution we will not fall away.